Category: Sackville’s Memorial park

This is the first time that Bambi has heard of and listened to Mr. Rodolphe Saadé. Of course, she continuously reads or hears about his impressive family company CMA CGM, the third-largest container shipping company in the world (https://tinyurl.com/3eapf237).

Of note, CMA CGM started by Mr. Saadé’s dad with 4 ships only. Today, it is a worldwide, and apparently environmentally friendly, maritime empire with talented teams in different countries. If Bambi recalls well from the interview, CMA CGM currently owns 700+ ships, terminals, and other assets in the world’s ports. Clearly, it is being lead with both intelligence and devotion. One must also keep in mind that this company operates in highly challenging current maritime conditions, including the dangerous middle east. May its staff be all safe and sound. Same for the staff working for its competitors.

The French interview, shared below, is sub-titled in English, thanks to L’Orient Le Jour. What an inspiring, and uplifting, conversation between the most talented Mr. Anthony Samrani and this highly skilled Franco-Lebanese (+ international) entrepreneur.

Indeed, as an international leader, Mr. Saadé seems to be both brilliant and grounded. Being talented while remaining humble is a refreshing combination in the business world. What a piece of positive news not just for his company, but also for the future of his beloved birth country, Lebanon, with his strategically diverse business investment plan (in other sectors).

Best wishes to Mr. Saadé’s CMA CGM for its continuous worldwide successes. As for Mr. Samrani, may he keep up his great journalistic work!

Today, Mr. Joseph Aoun stated that Lebanon is still working toward securing a deal with Israel, which would be “potential prelude for peace” (https://tinyurl.com/3m3k8wv6). Indeed, the ambassadors of these two Mediterranean neighbouring countries met in Washington to discuss ahead of the forthcoming US-sponsored direct talk (https://tinyurl.com/34n7axzd).

In the same interview reported above, Mr. Aoun added that Lebanon is determined to disarm the Hezbollah and that was “nonnegotiable”. The Lebanese president urged new force to replace UNIFIL, which mandate is about to end, as a reminder (https://tinyurl.com/3m3k8wv6).

Mr. Aoun’s strong message is filled with hope for a brighter future for Bambi’s birth country. However, how does the Lebanese President envision a peaceful disarmament of a heavily armed Islamist militia, like the Iran-backed Hezbollah?

Despite its many losses over the last two devastating wars, including the ongoing one (without forgetting about the war of July 13, 2006), Hezbollah remains suicidal in its mindset and defiant in its attitude. Not only it started two wars, it is still refusing to give its weapons to the Lebanese authorities.

To what extent can we change in life, as individuals and as groups, when our past (+ current!) behaviour are usually the best predictor of future behaviours? Without an intervention (i.e. the use of force or any form of consequences to our actions), change is unlikely.

Most significantly, without a change coming from within, how can Hezbollah transform itself from a militia to a strictly political party or to anything else less destructive and thus more rewarding to the Lebanese society?

Indeed, sadly young Hezbollah-related Lebanese people are dying and their families are suffering? Don’t they deserve to enjoy non-violent lives? And most importantly, don’t their fellow Lebanese civilians deserve safety and peace? Same for the innocent Israeli civilians across from the Lebanese border?

With these challenges, what’s next for Lebanon (Israel-Hezbollah war) and what’s ahead of the Middle East (USA and the Iranian regime, along with other quieter big actors in the region, including China or others)?

To come back to Lebanon, as Mr. Joseph Aoun cleverly stated, “we cannot jump directly to a peace agreement” (https://tinyurl.com/3m3k8wv6). So, how would we jump from a stubborn warrior mindset to a novice lover of peace?

Two days ago, in an apocalyptic scene and as reported by L’Orient Today, “massive Israeli explosions on Ali Taher caused “shockwave of 4.1 on Richter scale; Israeli media says over 1,100 tonnes of explosives used” (https://tinyurl.com/35rfc5vd).

We may be angry toward…

1. the harsh Israeli IDF for the bold military act in Ali Taher.
2. the suicidal Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah for having built the tunnels in the first place.
3. the unkind Iranian regime for having financed the tunnel network in South Lebanon.
4. the lovable Lebanese army for the incapacity and unwillingness to confront Hezbollah.
5. the silent, and thus ineffective, UNIFIL despite gratitude for its peacekeepers’ sacrifices.

Indeed, we may be angry toward all these actors while being deeply sad for the innocent people of (Southern) Lebanon. When will they finally live safely and free from any occupation or colonization, whether Israeli, Iranian, American, etc.? When will they also live free from internal illegal weapons… and tunnels?

Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, will be celebrated soon. Last year, this beautiful event coincided with Labour Day. In 2026, it overlaps with one of the saddest days of history, namely the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. May the memory of all the innocent lost lives be eternal.

To come back to Rosh Hashana (i.e., the Hebrew year 5787), this celebration is an opportunity for families/friends to come together to celebrate pleasant moments, cherish past memories, and hope for a “sweet” future for everyone. Like in the picture shared above, apples and honey are a symbol of wishes for good health and happiness. A round bread, called Challah (mmm!), symbolizes the continuous circle of life. Last but not least, pomegranates symbolize good deeds. Is there anything more heart-warming than kindness, or generous actions, toward someone else without expecting anything in return?

In addition to Rosh Hashana traditional celebrations, the Jewish new year precedes a highly spiritual day in Judaism called “Yom Kippur”. Celebrated 10 days later, Yom Kippur is usually spent in fasting, prayers, and self-reflection about forgiveness. Jewish or not, whether we are observant/spiritual or not, is there anything more liberating than the process of forgiving ourselves and those who have harmed us—intentionally or not?

May the new year bring love and peace of mind to everyone. May forgiveness, peace, love, and friendship spread from heart to heart. “Shana Tova” [A beautiful year] to all, especially to those who will be eating apples and honey soon : )!

From Naharnet, Bambi learned that Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar wrote on X the following: “We expect this stage to be completed during or towards the end of October, a crucial step towards uncovering the truth and achieving justice in one of the most painful cases for the Lebanese people” (https://tinyurl.com/4uk74wn9). Indeed, this translation is accurate and here is the original message in Arabic:

Perhaps criminal indictments do not necessarily have a firm deadline. However, the aching hearts of the grieving family members, and all the survivors, of the Beirut port explosion of August 4, 2020 are overtired. Don’t they deserve to know when justice will be served (if ever)?

Of note, some of the 7000+ injured people are still in the coma, six years later. Can you imagine? Indeed, Bambi listened to a mother on a Beirut-based radio station last August 4th. The surreal story of her daughter was heart-breaking. If only for this mother and the young children of her beloved daughter, please Lebanon for once dare to end impunity.

Judge Tarek Bitar did his investigative work, despite all the obstacles and threats to prevent accountability. Beirut deserves to benefit from this judge’s remarkable independence. Same for the survivors and all the people of Lebanon who deserve to be, and to feel, protected by the rule of law.

Shat (շատ) thanks [yes, many thanks] Diana for sharing two lovely songs.

For those of you who do not know it yet, Bambi has always been fond of Armenia and of its culture. There is a reason why her childhood nickname is “Bambineh” : ). One of her dreams is to follow the steps of her parents by visiting Armenia one day.

To come back to the two Armenian songs, Bambi was recently worried about her friend’s drive late at night and under the heavy rain. She was reassured that there was no need to worry because of two Armenian songs that keep her awake and wanting to dance!

Well, after listening to the songs in question [without understanding their lyrics, except for the English part in the first one : )], Bambi understood what Diana meant. She hopes you will enjoy them too, dear readers.

Thankfully, the rain stopped and the sky is blue again. Long live the Armenian music… and may God always protect Diana, regardless of the weather in the Maritimes 💙!

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Labour Day, which falls on the first Monday in September, has been a statutory holiday since 1894. Its origins go back to “the first workers’ rallies of the Victorian era” (https://tinyurl.com/2jxspfjd). Of note, Labour Day is a meaningful holiday in North America because this long weekend marks the end of the summer; indeed, many schools start right after Labour Day.

Regardless of a statutory holiday or not, what does the end of the summer season usually mean to you, dear readers? Did this personal meaning change in comparison to last year? If you wish, please feel free to publicly share on this blog or more privately, if you prefer.

Who knows? Some of you might be feeling somehow nostalgic to what is coming to an end. Perhaps you are also enthusiastic while being concurrently apprehensive about the forthcoming fall season or maybe about a new stage or project (whatever it is)? Life keeps moving on and every change brings an opportunity for self-reflection and for growth.

Nevertheless, Happy Labour Day, if you will celebrate it. Whether you will or not, have a good one. May the week ahead be rewarding for everyone!

Right before going to sleep, Bambi was in the mood for listening to Ms. Ginette Reno. This is how she came across Mr. David Corriveau on YouTube who imitates her voice in such a remarkable way. As you can see below, he also imitates the voices of other great female artists, including Edith Piaf, Bonnie Tyler, Céline Dion, Lara Fabian, Laurence Jalbert, Isabelle Boulay, and Marie Carmen. WOW!

Of note, Bambi was so fascinated that she kept listening to to Mr. Corriveau’s YouTube videos several times. She even heard herself sharing with Louis that she fell in love with another guy from Québec :). Well, he was too focused on a work-related task that he said that he wants to know whom, but only after he completes his task :). Bravo to Louis for his diligence!

To come back to Mr. Corriveau, Bambi read about him and learned that he was born in Saint-Boniface in Mauricie. He started singing at age 7 in front of chicken at his family’s henhouse. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he started sharing his talent online to entertain people. He became famous. After a famous TV interview, his artistic career took off. More recently, he was one of the stars of the Montreal-based “Just for Laughs Festival”. On March 26th, 2026, he gave a show in Edmundston, NB (https://tinyurl.com/4rjwkmmx). Wow, just 4 hours away from Sackville :).

Bambi hopes you will enjoy this post, dear readers. As for Mr. Corriveau, Bambi urges him to keep singing!

Bambi does not know Mr. Malik Ghazi. She just recalls how much she was touched by his worrisome story, which took place on October 13, 2025. She read about it in Naharnet, which also published his beautiful picture: “20-year-old goes missing in Ain Aata. Young man Malik Ghazi, born in 2005, went missing after leaving to have a quick workout in his hometown of Ain Aata in the Rashaya district yesterday, Sunday, at 11:00 am, and has not returned home. If you have any information about him, please contact: 03/318505″ (https://tinyurl.com/vykrjse3).

Back then, she wondered what happened to this young man. She suspected an Israeli ugly war act and she prayed for him and for his family before closing her eyes to sleep.

Today, she read about wonderful news coming from out of Israel, as reported by the Lebanese Naharnet: “Israel on Thursday released Lebanese captive Malek Ghazi, who was handed over to the Lebanese Army through the Red Cross. Israel will also release four more Lebanese captives and return them to Lebanon as a diplomatic “gesture” to the government in Beirut amid ongoing negotiations between the two sides, an Israeli official confirmed. Israel’s Channel 12 said the move comes in coordination with the U.S. and within the framework of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. More than 30 Lebanese captives are still believed to be in Israel’s custody” (https://tinyurl.com/mu3rdjh5).

May everyone return back home safe and sound, starting with the four war prisoners who may hopefully be released tomorrow. May the Israeli-related request about the remains of the Jewish Lebanese people kidnapped/killed by the Hezbollah during the Lebanese civil war be also taken seriously.

May both the Israeli occupation, along with any kidnapping, and the Hezbollah’s illegal weapons end. May Lebanon be sovereign and capable of protecting its citizens. Enough of absurd violence and civilian suffering. Enough of wars.

YES, it is Bambi’s dream that reason will return to people’s minds and love, along with forgiveness, to their hearts. May peace prevail in everyone’s inner world as well as across borders. All innocent people deserve to live in dignity, freedom, and peace. Life is already too short… Let’s not make shorter.

As for Mr. Malik Ghazi et al., Bambi who is delighted for them wishes them all the best!

Ms. Céline Dion’s voice is one of the most beautiful ones in the entire world. She is a diva, not just a singer. She is a symbol of Canadian and French-Canadian pride.

Over all years of her global fame, Ms. Dion remained grounded and filled with authenticity and humanity. Of note, she is an inspiring, living example of resilience in the face of life adversity (fertility journey, grief following death of loved ones, illness, etc.). Bravo to her for doing better following a battle with symptoms of the stiff person syndrome diagnosed in 2022 (as per an older post shared below, along with more recent ones). Bambi had the opportunity to watch the 2024 “I am Céline” documentary movie on the airplane taking her to Europe a few months ago. She was deeply touched, especially by the tough-to-watch scenes related to her illness. What an amazing lady and what a great artist.

Indeed, Ms. Dion travelled all the way to Paris, France, for a series of 16 concerts (https://tinyurl.com/49k48jcz). The lovely YouTube video below from Le Parisien shows her singing with her fans spontaneously in front of her hotel. Some seem to be sidewalks. Others on balconies.

Ms. Dion took the time to sing for her fans following several hours of rehearsal. Imagine how tired she must have been with a jetlag and with all the singing, and maybe dancing, practice. Yet, she stays true to herself: generous and loving with others.

Remarkably, Ms. Dion’s French fans are moving too because they seem to appreciate her lot. They also know her songs by heart while singing them well.

To conclude this brief post, thanks to the Le Parisien, and all the other media, for sharing those beautiful human and artistic moments on the internet. As for our beloved Céline, or Ms. Dion, BRAVO. Bless her ❤️ and all the best for her concerts. May she enjoy Paris and have lots of fun!

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When you cannot stop terror or war, sing for love like Ms. Céline Dion

Bravo to: (1) Céline Dion for her new song, four months after a stiff-person syndrome diagnosis; & (2) 13-year-old Jennifer Aoun for singing Dion at “Talang Sverige” [“Sweden Got talent”]!

Ms. Céline Dion: Happy Birthday!

Bambi sends her positive vibes to Ms. Céline Dion!